Sony Unveils First Ever Binoculars With HD Video, Autofocus, and SteadyShot Image Stabilization

Sony has just announced some very interesting binoculars which offer the ability to record full 1080/60p HD video (AVCHD format) with audio, 7-meapixel still images, along with options for both 2D and 3D video. Two models have been released, the DEV-5 and DEV-3. While they offer almost identical specifications, the DEV-5 adds increased optical zoom capabilities in Still mode, and GPS functionality.

Aimed at nature enthusiasts, the DEV-5 and DEV-3 bring a whole new level of versatility to the sport, giving hobbyist the ability to leave all the heavy gear behind, and simply carry their Sony binoculars with them to capture high-quality stills and video; without having to take their eyes off the subject at hand to switch to their camera or camcorder.

Key features include:

• Dual 1/4 type back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS image sensors
• Dual BIONZ processors
  
• 2D Still images up to 7.1-megapixels
• 2D and 3D AVCHD video recording at full 1920x1080 resolution (60p in 2D, 60i in 3D)
• Sony G zoom lenses, 10x optical for the DEV-3 and 10x/20x for the DEV-5 (10x in movie mode, 20x in still)
• Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active mode
• Independent EVFs for detailed images for both the left and right eyes
  
• Card slot accepts both Memory Stick PRO Duo or SD/SDHC/SDXC type memory cards
• HDMI output
• Headphone and Microphone input jacks
• NP-FV70 InfoLITHIUM battery pack (good for up to 3 hours of 2D video recording) 
• DEV-5 includes built-in GPS functionality for geo-tagging 

Both models should start hitting dealer shelves this fall (November 2011). The MSRPs will be $2000 (DEV-5) and $1400 (DEV-3) US, respectively.